Daniel T. O’Brien
March 21, 1962 - October 16, 2021 West Grove, PA | Age 59Daniel T. O’Brien, age 59 passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the Chester County Hospital. He was the loving husband for over 36 years of Joyce (Owen) O’Brien. Born on March 21, 1962 in Escondido, California he was the son of the late James Eugene and Marlene Joan (Ross) O’Brien.
Daniel was a graduate of Kennett High School in the class of 1980. He earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and a master’s degree in special education from Immaculata University. He devoted his life to being an educator first working for Deveraux School and later for the Oxford School District at Hopewell Elementary. In his free time, he enjoyed playing guitar at school and in church as well as with family members.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Christine O’Brien Murphy and her husband Chris, his son Sean O’Brien, siblings Michael O’Brien, Chris O’Brien, Erin Beaver, and Terry O’Brien. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Greg O’Brien.
All services will be private. The family respectfully requests no flowers; please consider a donation to Oxford Lighthouse Youth Center, PO Box 38, Oxford, PA 19363 or by visiting www.oxfordlighthouse.org.
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Dear Joyce and Family,
I have just learned of Dan’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Dan was a special man. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Kathy (Ehrlich) Palma
Dan was my co-teacher at Penn’s Grove Middle School for several years and though I hadn’t seen him for a while before he passed, I think of him often! Dan was so positive and funny – it was a pleasure to share a classroom with him! He always spoke glowingly of his two children; he was so proud of them both! When I think of Dan, I remember him playing guitar and singing “Percy the Poinsetta” at the Penn’s Grove holiday party. Dan positively impacted so many students; he will surely be remembered and missed.
Dear Joyce and family,
I am sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. I will forever remember Dan and David playing music together – what a gift they both had. Thoughts and prayers of comfort for you and your family.
Diane Donohue
Wow, What A Great Loss! Way Too Early For A Bright Light To Be Extinguished!! So Sorry For Your Family’s Loss! I Only Knew Dan At WCU For Three Years! He Was Always Bright And Cheerful All The Time! What a Great Guy! Thoughts And Prayers For The O’Brien Family! R. I. P. Dan!
So sorry to hear about Dan’s passing. We want the Family to know how much we appreciated his wisdom and kindness. When Lucas was in middle school, Dan always kept an “eye” on him, making sure he was making good decisions and talking to him about bad decisions. I would catch up with Dan at the Y and also at my work, Dental office. The thing about Dan is , he always asked about Lucas. I will keep that in my heart as a Good Man who truly cared. Love and Peace to you all.
Jacquie Fitchett
To Joyce, Sean and Lady….I can’t tell you how sad I am to hear about Dan. He’s one of the kindest guys I’ve ever met. So sorry for your loss. I’ll miss seeing him jogging around West Grove. He was always so nice to me. I always looked forward to talking to him with Lady by his side. God bless him and all the good he did for his students. John (Your mailman)
Joyce and the O’Brien Family,
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 John and I are grieved as you grieve. In our humanity, we ask why this tragedy? We trust that you will receive God’s peace and comfort. Please know that you are in our prayers. We will all miss Dan’s music and the joy he shared through it.
With love in Christ,
John and Rebecca Bamberger
I grew up on broad street in Kennett and was friends with Dan’s sister Erin. I remember music being a part of all of their lives. They were all very nice people. I’m so sorry for the family.
Sorry for your loss I’ve know sean for several years he always spoke highly of is family my family to you sending 🙏 ❤
Joyce, we’re mourning with you and your family. We pray God’s comfort will surround you all through this devastating loss. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We will continue to pray that you feel His closeness. 💕
Dear Joyce and family. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Dan as a neighbor but also playing in local churches in West Grove and touched so many lives as a teacher. My deepest sympathy.
I am so sorry for your loss. Dan was blessing to all who knew him. We really appreciated you both for sharing your time and his gift of music with us and our young people at Star of Bethlehem. I pray God will bless you and give you peace and the strength you need to go on. We love you both and we are here if we can help in any way.
It’s very heartening to see how much my awesome brother impacted so many people in a positive fashion. I sing for a living and am awesome told, “Man, you sound just like James Taylor.” I always reply, “Thanks, but I’m just trying to sound like my brother Dan.”
I’m absolutely gutted, but happy to know he meant so much to so many people. I love you, Dan.
Joyce & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Daniel’s passing. Dan was a great guy he will be missed by his friends from the Kennett High School class of 1980. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss. Nancy and Denny Wilson.
Joyce, we are so very saddened by your loss. Although we have only known you a short time, you are family to us and we will miss Dan very much. His heart for God certainly did shine!! We love you and know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Dear Joyce and family. It was so shocking to hear about Dan’s death. He was always so nice and we loved it when he stood up front
in Avondale Presbyterian to sing and play his music. His music will ring out in glory now. My heart breaks for your loss.
Judy and Tommy
So sorry for your loss i will miss seeing Dan at the Y in Jennersvile
Jane Comero
Member Service Jennersville Y
Sylvia and I are shocked and saddened by the loss of Dan. Dear Joyce, we’d only recently met you both, but we quickly grew to love and appreciate you. We were especially delighted to see and hear Dan on guitar during worship giving praise to God. You and your family are certainly in our prayers. Peace and Grace of The Lord to you and your family always!
“Sometimes, I don’t look
Because I don’t want to look
And not see you there”
Danny, we go back a long time. New Garden Elementary, Kennett Middle…
Life’s been a journey, and thoughts of you have stayed with me. It was no accident that I called you at the end of May of this year to share a music memory and to tell you I loved you, man. You were surprised that I found you, but I think you were glad I reached out. I mourn along with the rest of your friends on this site.
Mr. O – Your help and kindness when I have gone through rough times was so sincere and you would always be there for me to lend a helping hand! You have taught me so much, and you were the best mentor I could of asked for! Your connections with the students were remarkable, and you will be so missed! The hallways of Hopewell Elementary School won’t be the same without your “Friday Song” at the end of each week. We all love you so much, watch over us every day!
Rest in Peace Mr. O! I had the pleasure of working with you the past 7 years at Hopewell, and boy did we have a lot of laughs, and stories! Thank you for all your wisdom and kindness. I will miss your daily visit to my room for a piece of chocolate. I will make sure I enjoy a Coca-Cola and think of you. The girls and I miss you. I will listen for your voice on Fridays because Hopewell will be quiet without your song! My condolences go out to Joyce, Christie, and Sean. I miss you Mr. O!
Thank you Mr. O for being a awesome teacher an roll model. There wasn’t a day that my kids didn’t come home talking about you. you will truly be missed.
We were just getting to know you and enjoyed talking with you at church and having you play guitar on the worship team. You are going to be missed by us. You were a wonderful person and Mike and I are so glad we got to know you
Joyce we pray for you also that God will comfort and strengthen you
Sincerely
Mike and Marie Brown
So sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. I will always remember him from attending Lang. With deepest sympathy, Elaine Fiore.
Joyce, Sean and Christy..we are all so sorry to hear about Dan. Our hearts are broken for you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Michele Powell and family
Going through school Mr. O’Brien . Helped me with my school work, and was there if I ever had any questions. He was one of the very best Oxford Area had to offer. Rest easy Mr. O. We will all miss you dearly.
In the one school year I have gotten to know Mr. O’Brien, I would say I learned so much. His calming, peaceful and happy demeanor would make anybody smile. I’m a US Marine Veteran from the South Bronx, NY and I have to say I seen my share of things and met different types of people but someone like Mr. O’Brien…there will never be another like him.
My condolences,
Cesar Acuria
Dear Danny,
I will always remember the conversations we had when I was cleaning your teeth. You are a very special person who is now playing your guitar in heaven. Brother, it won’t be long before we are all together again. My condolences to Joyce, Christie, and Sean. I love you all.
Rhonda Molin
So long, Dan. That sound you hear is my heart breaking. You, Chris, and Greg are the 3 best friends anyone could ever wish for, and I hope you knew how much I loved you. I will miss you forever.